The Celtic Cross
Among the many more complex layouts in Tarot divination, the Celtic Cross is one of the most popular.
In any layout, the signficator may be chosen by conscious decision, rather that simply dealt at random. In the Celtic Cross, it is usual to make a deliberate selection.
The signficator represents the querent. When deliberately chosen, usually one of the court cards of the Minor Arcana is selected, typically a King or a Queen. A Knight or a Page may sometimes be used, especially if the querent is an adolescent or a young adult. In very special cases, one of the figures depicted in the Major Arcana may be selected.
Traditionally, the suit of the Minor Arcana card is chosen based on the physical appearance of the querent: colouring, body shape, and so on. However, it is likely to be more helpful to choose a suit based on the querent’s natural temperament, where this is known to the reader or may be readily determined by a short conversation.
The suit of coins represents the melancholic temperament: people of an analytic and literal nature.
The suit of cups represents the phlegmatic temperament: people of a relaxed and thoughtful nature.
The suit of swords represents the sanguine temperament: people of a sociable and indulgent nature.
The suit of wands represents the choleric temperament: people of an ambitious and forthright nature.
The significator is placed in the central position of the diagram. The remaining cards are then shuffled and cut in the usual manner. They are dealt out one at a time to their respective positions. As each card is dealt, it is interpreted individually, before a full reading is given for the completed layout.
This crosses you
The second card is laid crosswise on top of the
significator. This indicates the mental and physical influences
at work in the querent’s consciousness at the present time,
which may either block or enable future actions and outcome.
This lies below you
Card 3 represents the unconscious, or subconscious,
feelings and influences that affect all the querent’s actions. In
most cases, it is more important to appreciate and understand
these, rather than attempt to change them.
This lies behind you
Card 4 represents the immediate past, the circumstances
that have led to the present situation.
This lies above you
Card 5 represents the querent’s spiritual, or higher mental,
faculties. This can include such things as deeply held beliefs
concerning what is right and what is wrong, but can also relate
to personal goals and ambitions, fulfilled or unfulfilled.
This lies ahead of you
Card 6 represents the circumstances of the immediate
future. There may be some indication of influences likely to
come, or even of the possible outcomes of various actions.
As has already been cautioned, this is not a predictor of
the future, nor a directive to take a particular course of
action. The object is to open the mind to the circumstances
and possibilities that may lie ahead, so that the querent
can make their own responsible, informed choices of action,
or inaction.
This is how you see the situation
Card 7 represents the querent’s reaction to the current
situation. How do they feel about where they are? Do they
want things to change? If so, how much effort are they
prepared to put into changing?
This surrounds you
Card 8 represents the environment, or living space,
of the querent. The places where they live, work, or
spend their free time. The family, friends, and work
colleagues they interact with. Generally, any external
influences presently active.
This is what you need to know
Card 9 represents wisdom. It may impart to the querent
some item of knowledge or insight that they may have
overlooked, and may assist in achieving the desired
outcome.
This is where you are going
After all the other cards have been taken into account,
card 10 represents the final outcome. It represents where
the querent is likely to be in the foreseeable future,
when all the other influences have been considered.
But, once again, this is not a definite prediction, merely
an indication of the current direction being taken. This
can change according to the chosen actions of the individual.
One specific aspect worth taking into account here, is how
well the anticipated outcome lines up with the personal
goals revealed in the interpretation of card 5. If there
is a large disconnect, it may be that a complete change of
direction is advisable.
This website is still under development. Not all the detailed descriptions of the cards are available yet. These will be added over time. Please return to this site occasionally for more details.